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Colorado Trail Seg 1 W to E

I'm planing to hike a portion of Seg 1 of the Colorado Trail from the South Platte River to West Bear Creek ~5.8miles.
This would be an overnite out and back hang nothing epic just trying to get my legs in shape and messing with my hammock gear.

For those that have not hiked the first 4 segments of the CT this is the perfect time of year with daytime temps mid 60's,
nighttime temps low 40's. No mosquito's, no biting flies this time of year.

A few details: The first 3 miles of this trail is a killer climb. Elevation gained out of the canyon is 1330ft over ~3 miles.
Once on top of the canyon rim its basicly flat and you are hiking thru a thick pine forest. I usually hangout at the top
and bushwack up and down the canyon to snap photos of the river and valley then have lunch before heading into the forest.

I got all excited when I read the title. I thought you were going to stealth hike the actual Segment 1 that is closed. Is it still closed? I still haven't gotten around to hiking the alternate trail for Seg 1 this year. Ah well, there is always time for the low stuff in the winter.

I'll be miserable in Chicago at a stupid wedding while you're off having fun this weekend.

You've got me inspired and I went to the library and got a book on the CT.

I need to get out of the city soon!

Hi JL,
I would be up for this short hike and overnight hang mid Oct.
I'll be in UT from Sept 24 to Oct 2nd.
Like I posted it's nothing epic and would not be a good group hang location.
It is close, good exercise and a great place to test your equipment.

I was thinking of doing a small thru-hike on either sections 1-3 or 3-5 (or something like that) sometime this fall, but sadly, I don't think I can fit it in my schedule until it's too wintery. (Stupid schedule!) If you guys get anything together on this, I'd love to read a trip report on it. Otherwise, start planning for the spring?

I am planning a west to east hike of Segment 3 thru 1 on Saturday, November 5 thru Monday, the 7th.

Not firm, because if there is a big early snow then I will bail.

Go... downhill?! I would've never thought of that on my own! There's a very good chance I could make this, provided I get all my gear together before then, and weather permitting. The UQ will be the hardest bit of business for me, but if worst comes to worst, I still can still just use a thermarest.

Seg. 1 is still closed 'til early next year - the alternate is open though... I'm gonna go with Bob and see what we can see... I have a weight loss goal, and a goal to do the trail by next year!

Looking forward to meeting you sometime soon!

The only part of the CT seg 1 that is closed is the 6 miles of Waterton Canyon.
If one hikes seg 1 from the river and heads East you can still see the best parts of seg 1 and just turn around and head back at Lenny's Bench.

JL,
Just got home from my 9 days Yak trip in UT and I'm sun burned and tired.
It'll probably take me couple weeks to get my kitchen pass renewed. I'd be up for food's November hike as well.

here's a link to my Yak trip picts if you're interested.
I did get to use my hammock for 2 days.